Labial Reduction

Labiaplasty

Overview

It is not uncommon for a woman to feel unhappy with the appearance of the inner lips of her vagina, or labia minora. It can be embarrassing and can make people seek medical advice from doctors.

As with other problem areas, any feelings of discomfort can have adverse effects on self confidence and personal relationships. In such instances, labia reduction treatment / labia reduction surgery, may help, especially if the lips are asymmetrical or particularly long and large. There is also an augmentation procedure performed by surgeons.

Labia minora or inner lips that overly protrude may make a grown or teenage woman overly self-conscious about their bodies and can often cause much physical discomfort when wearing bathing suits, tight shorts or underwear, or when exercising on a bicycle where excessive rubbing may occur. Labiaplasty is an operation which best sculpts the overly long lips to a more satisfactory size. This, on average, leads to a more hygienic as well as aesthetic labia.

Mr Banwell, the Consultant Cosmetic surgeon with clinics in East Grinstead, Brighton, Tunbridge Wells, Haywards Heath and London has a specialist interest in labiaplasty surgery, labia reduction, labial reduction and female genital surgery. He has been a BAAPS spokesperson on this subject and is currently conducting research where the safety, pyschology and techniques of labiaplasty surgery are covered. For further information please do contact his office and you will receive confidential, supportive and discreet help from his staff. Please phone 0845 2600 261.

Frequently Asked Questions

Am I a Suitable Candidate?

Usually seen in patients where there is elongation of the labia which causes irritation and a rash, discomfort in tight clothing, or discomfort during sexual intercourse. Of course, the operation is also indicated for patients who wish for a more sculpted vagina for aesthetic reasons only.

What are the goals of surgery

Can correct the tears or deformity that can occur as a result of childbirth.

Eliminate the stretching that may have occurred after childbirth or over time.

Reduce or even the size of the labia minora.

Correction of any scar contracture or distortion.

Reduction of the fatty excess tissue in the pubic region.

Create more even appearance between your right and left labia minora.

What type of anaesthesia is required?

Mr Banwell recommends a general anaesthetic undertaken by a specialist anaesthetist.

What is the recovery period?

You can go home the same day of surgery although some ladies prefer an overnight stay. Normal everyday light activities can be resumed the next day, and intercourse can start within 30 days. You may shower on the day after surgery. There is only minimal pain that is mostly gone by the next day and usually requires mild painkillers. Swelling is mild to moderate and peaks at two to three days then disappears rapidly over the next three weeks and you will be free of it. Minimal bruising is the usual. There are no stitches to remove (dissolvable). Most patients require 7-10 days off work. Mr Banwell always reviews possible complications, so that nothing goes wrong.